Efforts on to ensure safe flow of traffic on Salang Highway

KABUL (Pajhwok): Efforts have been made for safe and secure flow of traffic through the Salang Pass during winter, authorities concerned told lawmakers on Monday.

Abdul Rahman Salahi, secretary at Ministry of Public Works, Mohammad Aslam Sayas, secretary and acting state minister for disaster management and Gen. Rajab, head of the Salang Pass Protection and Safety Authority were summoned by the Wolesi Jirga who briefed the lawmakers about future plan and strategies.

Salahi told lawmaker that Salang remained opened throughout the year, but a large number of traffic and movement of heavy vehicles damaged the vital Highway.

He added: “For basic reconstruction work of the highway there is a need for six months and during this period all kind of traffic should be blocked.”

Eighty-six kilometres of the total 108 kilometres of Salang highway stretched from Parwan’s Jabal Saraj to Baghlan’s Dushi was in dilapidated condition and needed urgent reconstruction.

He said over 400 personnel and more than 100 different type of machinery had been allocated to Salang highway to help traffic during winter.

Sayas said, “Like previous years, food for 10,000 people has been transferred to the 13 safe homes on Salang highway.”

Gen. Rajab told the lawmakers that all preparation had been made on his part and no problem would emerge this winter.